#USA #Reston #Public Interest Registry #.ORG Impact Awards #Global Changemakers

Nominations Open for the Eighth Annual .ORG Impact Awards

The Public Interest Registry (PIR), the nonprofit managing the .ORG domain, has officially opened the nomination period for the eighth annual .ORG Impact Awards on April 15, 2026. This prestigious event celebrates the remarkable contributions made by mission-driven individuals and organizations within the global .ORG community.

The .ORG domain has been instrumental in empowering organizations worldwide for over four decades. From multinational NGOs to small community initiatives, these organizations have been pivotal in making a difference in the lives of those they serve. Over the past eight years, the .ORG Impact Awards have honored more than 300 transformative .ORGs from over 120 countries, with $865,000 allocated to support their impactful initiatives across the globe.

Jon Nevett, CEO of Public Interest Registry, emphasized the awards' significance, stating, "The .ORG Impact Awards remind us that meaningful change often starts at the community level. It is driven by individuals who identify needs and rally together to take action. Each year, our .ORG community of changemakers inspires us with their creativity and resilience. We are thrilled to open nominations for this year and celebrate the next generation of leaders making a difference in their communities."

Categories for 2026 Awards

Nominations will be accepted from April 15 to May 27, 2026, in several impactful categories:

• - Health and Healing
• - Quality Education for All
• - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• - Environmental Stewardship
• - Hunger and Poverty
• - Community Building
• - Rising Star (for individuals under 30 associated with a .ORG domain)

These categories are designed to encompass any organization committed to making a positive societal impact. Organizations can apply under multiple categories tailored to their missions. On August 11, 2026, the top five entries from each category will be announced as finalists.

All 35 finalists will be invited to Washington, D.C. for the awards ceremony, scheduled for October 6, 2026. The event promises complimentary travel and networking opportunities with fellow leaders within the .ORG community, along with the excitement of being hosted by a famous celebrity. During the ceremony, the winners of each category will be revealed, and the 2026 .ORG of the Year will be crowned. Detailed announcements regarding the event will follow in the upcoming months.

Exquisite Prize Structure

Each category winner will receive $10,000 in donation awards, while the overall .ORG of the Year will take home an impressive $50,000. Every finalist across categories will also benefit from a $2,500 donation award. The organizations have the latitude to utilize the funds in ways that best support their missions, further enhancing their impact.

Recognition as a finalist or winner within the esteemed .ORG Impact Awards can significantly enhance an organization's visibility, leading to increased donations, funding avenues, partnerships, and broader audience engagement.

Previous Award Winners

In 2025, we saw an impressive turnout with nearly 3,000 applicants from over 120 countries. The winner of the coveted .ORG of the Year was Fonds pour les Femmes Congolaises (FFC), a nonprofit based in the Democratic Republic of Congo. FFC focuses on empowering women in Congo through various initiatives, including eliminating gender-based violence, providing educational programs on reproductive health, and advocating for environmental justice.

Julienne Lusenge, Executive Director of FFC, emphasized the transformative impact of receiving the award, stating, "Winning a .ORG Impact Award has allowed us to empower even more Congolese women to build a more just and peaceful future." She also encouraged other .ORG community members to apply, revealing how recognized changemakers can effect change that far exceeds geographic boundaries.

Other noteworthy winners from 2025 included IncluEdu for its innovative approach to education in Latin America, and Nature Environment and Wildlife Society for its efforts in climate resilience and biodiversity.

Conclusion

For those wishing to nominate an organization or an individual for the .ORG Impact Awards, visit www.orgimpactawards.org. This prestigious recognition not only uplifts participants but also bolster the vast network of changemakers driving impactful social change globally.

About Public Interest Registry

Public Interest Registry is the nonprofit entity overseeing the .ORG top-level domain, one of the largest generic domains globally, with over 11.8 million registered names. The .ORG domain is designed to foster a global platform where organizations, associations, and individuals can express themselves and pursue their missions. For more information, visit www.pir.org.